R. David Simpson

R. David Simpson is the director of Ecosystem Economic Studies in the National Center for Environmental Economics at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All opinions expressed here are his own, and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Simpson has been a visiting professor at University College, London, and a PERC Julian Simon Fellow (2002). Known especially for his studies of conservation policy and environmental regulation, Simpson spent 12 years as a senior fellow with Resources for the Future, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. He has written many articles for academic and policy audiences, has edited three books, and frequently advises governments, international bodies, and scientific groups on biodiversity and conservation policy.

What is the best way to preserve species-rich tropical habitats? During the past two decades, international conservation groups have attempted to save habitats by combining conservation with development.